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For what they are worth, here are Don’s travel hints for the 2010’s. This involves traveling on airplanes and the sort. 

(Second draft -Feb 26, 2010 - watch for revisions)

Make your reservations online - the prices are almost always cheaper. I use www.aa.com for most of my travel. Be sure to check “Price and Schedule” it is faster and easier. Always keep a copy of your reservation - itinerary with you. If you are traveling with use to Los Toros we prefer to make your reservation to coordinate it with our schedules and ground transportation.

If you see a good fare - buy it, it may change in the next ten minutes; on the other hand it may go down in price next week, but that is rare.

Always, always register in frequent flyer programs! Always, always register in frequent flyer programs! That was worth repeating! It identifies you as a frequent and safe traveler, it gives you benefits and preferential treatment, it demonstrates you are a responsible traveler and trustworthy. Even if you only fly occasionally, register with the airline that you are using 

Get to the airport early! The security lines and check-in lines take time. Greet the workers, show them you are willing to cooperate and help them do their job. But make sure they mark your bags correctly and send them to the right place! Be polite, but firm in your resolve to accomplish your mission. Again, they respond best to polite customers.

Don’t let anyone touch your possessions always keep them in your hands or with someone you trust. Know what is in your bags and be ready to answer questions. Pack carefully, in most cases there is a 50 lb limit on checked bags, be sure to check on any charges for checking bags; right now - Jan 2010 - there is no charge for the first two bags you check to the Dominican Republic, but that may change! Do not over pack your carry-on bag! It is becoming more and more difficult to find room in the overhead for bags; if you have an overstuffed bag they will grab it and put it with check bags and it may get lost or delayed if you have a connecting flight! Travel light; take only things you really need. Always keep meds, etc. in your briefcase or purse, not in checked bags or even your carry-on. You are allowed one carry-on bag and one other small bag - like a briefcase. Make sure your carry on is the right size - see airline web page! They are getting very serious about the size of your carry-on!

Co-operate and be polite to security people. Have your boarding pass and passport - ID ready and open, it helps them to keep the line moving. You have to take off your shoes, your jacket and cap to go through security so be prepared to do it. Try to have a companion help you and help your companion watch your possessions it is easy to lose something during the security process.

If you have a carry-on try not to get a seat close to the front of the plane because there may not be any room left for your bag - or - be sure you get on early when they call your section for boarding. Watch your possessions and check that you have everything, if you leave something in the waiting area or on a plane it is gone - forever!

Drink up before you go! Get hydrated, airplanes suck out every last drop of moisture from your body! Bring some food, most flights have a limited supply of food to sell and many have nothing at all. You can carry on a sandwich, veggies, etc. but must purchase liquids after security. I have a water bottle that I fill at the bubbler after security.

Get familiar with the procedures at your destination, customs forms, immigration forms, etc. Be ready to cooperate with officials and give them your documents. Guard your passport with your life; if you lose it life can become very, very difficult!

Be courteous, most people are willing to help a courteous person and make your travel easier. Have a safe and successful trip!

Health Concerns: Currently there are no serious health concerns in the Dominican Republic; if you go to Los Toros you do not need to take Malaria Prevention Drugs! We will advise you if you do! Some older adults may not have received Hepatitis "A" and Hepatitis "B" inoculations. Ozaukee county residents can get these shots at a reasonable cost at: http://www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/PublicHealth/index.html

These are a serious of shots that take months so if you did not receive them - start now.

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